Erbe told TV Guide: "I know that I would be [back on the show] in a heartbeat. I'm fairly positive that [co-star] Vincent [D'Onofrio] feels the same way."

She added: "Everyone was really hoping that, in the 11th hour, we'd get some word [of a renewal]. Whether the fans are able to muscle us back or not, who knows?"

The seven aired episodes of Criminal Intent's tenth season have averaged 3.81m viewers, up on the 3.05m that watched the ninth run.

Erbe said: "I just know that these eight episodes were like a gift. To be able to come back and have closure with the crew and the cast and everyone [was great]. If that happens again, fantastic. It would just be like icing on the cake."

However, Erbe, who previously departed the series alongside D'Onofrio (Detective Goren) in 2010, claimed that fans will be satisfied if the tenth season finale is indeed the show's last episode.

"I know we set out to make it satisfying and we're going out much more OK than we were the last time," she insisted. "The one thing I know you're going to see is that Goren and Eames are on much better, more solid ground."

The Law & Order: Criminal Intent series finale airs on Sunday at 9/8c on USA.